Paediatric Allergy Specialist
Our practice focuses on the care of children with allergies and food intolerances, and on giving good quality information and medical and dietary support to the families of these children. We aim to be different in our approach, to listen and respond in a caring manner. Just treating the symptoms is not enough. Getting rid of the cause, if possible, is the best approach.
Children and Allergies
Allergy is becoming a more common problem. It is caused by our bodies over reacting to substances which in most people are quite safe.
Allergies affect children in many ways, from reactions to foods such as nuts, egg, dairy or fish, or developing asthma, eczema, nose and bowel symptoms.
Up to 10% of children are affected by food allergies, with most allergies disappearing over time.
Some children go on to develop other allergic conditions, such as asthma, eczema and allergic rhinitis (also known as hay fever or “sinus”), which can cause long-standing poor health, absence from school, and stress on families.
Allergy to foods needs to be distinguished from food intolerance. Food intolerance is a non-immune condition, where some people have reactions to natural or added chemicals in the foods they eat.
Food intolerance can cause a range of symptoms, such as headaches, behaviour problems, nasal symptoms, mouth ulcers, reflux, colic, irritable bowel syndrome, eczema and hives, amongst other problems.
Our Aim
We aim to provide friendly good quality care to patients and their parents, in the treatment of allergies, food intolerances, and other associated conditions, from a specialized Paediatric medical and dietetic viewpoint.
Dr Pickford and Ms Dostine started working together at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital Allergy Unit in 1998. They started private practice in 2006.
“The depth of personal care for my children’s wellbeing well surpasses their professional requirements.”